Against the wall, Sen. Murray clings to abortion rights

Both sides do this, obviously.  While those of us who work and aspire to think and vote in accord with the ideals of Faithful Citizenship might wish that the lines dividing our two major parties were in a different place, and while we might be inclined to cheer those (few) who depart from the party-line in a way suggested by Catholic teaching (e.g., a pro-life Democrat or an anti-death-penalty Republican), at the end of the day (sigh), politicians in tough spots tend to return to the well.  See, e.g., this report about the Senate race in Washington:   

You knew it was coming.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Patty Murray has launched a new TV ad hitting Republican Dino Rossi for his conservative positions on abortion rights and related women's health issues.

The ad, called "Trust," dusts off some old votes Rossi took as a state legislator, such as his vote against requiring insurance companies to cover female contraceptives.

In an accompanying news release, Democrats also cited anti-abortion comments Rossi made early in his political career, when he talked more about he subject.

During his two runs for governor in 2004 and 2008, Democrats frequently accused Rossi of hiding the extent of his conservatism on such social issues.

They're resurrecting that argument now with ballots due to be mailed out shortly for the Nov. 2 election. . . .